Mining, key to economic diversification and development – Nnaji

From Charity Nwakaudu, Abuja

The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, has called on the Mining and Geosciences Society of Nigeria (NMGS) to partner with the agencies under the ministry to leverage on government programmes for scientific and technological development of the country. He stated that the ministry recognises the society’s critical role in economic development, adding that mining and geosciences field are keys to the economic diversification and industrialisation of the nation.

Nnaji stated this when the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS) led by its President, Prof Akinade Olatunji paid him a courtesy visit on Friday, in Abuja.

According to Nnaji: “We must strengthen collaboration to integrate cutting-edge technologies for efficiency, safety and economic sustainability of the country.”

The minister emphasised that modernisation of the sector can be successfully achieved if we leverage on Artificial Intelligence (AI) Data Analysis for optimal resource management, renewable energy to enhance efficiency and reduce environmental impact as well as Advanced Geopolitical Surveys for improved resource estimation.  The minister added that the country is committed to tackling key industrial challenges by promoting local value addition, reducing raw material exports, supporting capacity building, Research and Development (R&D) to drive home-grown solutions in the country. Earlier, Prof Olatunji said that the essence of their visit is to collaborate with the ministry in the areas of innovation, science and technology for the socio-economic transformation of the nation. He added that one of the mandates of the society is to promote innovation, create and sustain the wealth of the nation through oil and gas, agriculture and extraction of solid mineral for economic advancement of the country.